Phillies, Hunter Pence Ink One-Year Deal

According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Phillies and Hunter Pence have avoided arbitration by coming to terms on a one-year, $10.4 million contract. Heyman was the first to tweet the news just after 3 p.m.

Pence had originally asked for $11.8 million, the Phillies countered with $9 million, and the two sides have split the difference.

Now comes some interesting days ahead for the Phillies. Not only is Cole Hamels a free agent after 2012, but Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence will be as well. Who do you keep if it comes down to it? Clearly Cole is the priority, but the Phillies just gave up a boatload to get Pence, you’d think he’d be the second priority. He will obviously command top dollar next offseason. Ruben Amaro Jr. will have his hands full, for sure.

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Man, the 2013 offseason has the potential to define the course of the franchise for many years to come.

Either we stay competitive by making the right investments (eg. signing Hamels) or we end up shooting ourselves in the foot by extending overpriced veterans with their best years behind them (Shane in a year) or end up overpaying for good but not great talent (Pence getting Werth money).

If I’m not mistaken Pence has another year of arbitration eligibility before he’s a true free agent. Of course that isn’t going to save them much as he’ll likely command something in the vicinity of 15,ooo,ooo or so, but still he’s not a pure FA.

Yes, Pence has one more year of arbitration before he becomes and unrestricted free agent – so not until after the 2013 season. By that time, there will be some payroll that will be shed and locking him up for 3-4 years will be easier to do.

By then they should be able to tell what they have in Jr and Domonic Brown. Assuming at least one of the 2 develops into a MLB star. The way i see it either Shane or Pence wont be back somehow. I think the Phils will eventually have to go over the dreaded luxury cap, to keep this going, Papelhead, Howard, Lee, Doc and the rest of the high contracts pretty much limits what they can do, if they dont. Polly contracts is up but his contract will go to his replacement. Joe Burger contract should open up some flexibility.

Kinda cool … Victorino played a few games for the Padres in the start of the 2003 season. On May 3, 2003.. he played LF, batting 8th against the Philadelphia Phillies

had a 2b, and SB …(RBI and scored a Run) in a 5-4 extra-innings loss to the Phillies

The Phillies scored a run in the 10th when David Bell hit a sac fly, scoring Bobby Abreu, who- yep, you guessed it… had walked to start the inning (moved to 2b on a Lieberthal hit, moved to 3b on a Thome groundout)

with the Phillies up 5-4, Jose Mesa came on for the Save. He retired the first two hitters he faced, setting up a showdown with Shane Victorino, with the game on the line … Victorino was pinch-hit for by Brian Buchanon, who hit a popfly to 2b to end it.

Bob i dont think, Nix will be a replacement for either Shane or Pence it will be a downgrade. He is more like a 2nd stringer or a maybe starter for a lesser team. Although, you never know what may happen, he could be the next Werth.

I like your optimism Bart, I too like Pence’s passion for baseball and he is entering into his prime years with a lot of potential contribution. I have a gut feeling that if he can stay healthy, he will have a banner season this year.

Victorino at age 31 is now at the top of his game and we can expect more of the same impact he gives to the lineup with his presence. Both Pence and Victorino are vital to the team for several more years and I want GM Amaro to make every effort to keep them that long.

I love watching this guy play because you can see his passion in what he does. He has been showing improvement every year Bart – not to get too pumped up here but he has all the markings of a real hero in this town.

the phils are slowing taking care of business. maybe not as fast as we’d like or the years we’d expect. however it looks to me like they’re playing their cards right. they’re buying some time, giving fair contracts out, not dragging out negotiations keeping the guys happy. and setting themselves up for next year where they’ll have more flexibility. and i think the payers have been cool about everthing also. that’s good to me cause it shows they’re working with the phils! they know the financial cap situation., and i’m sure rube has a plan to keep every one happy. can’t wait for the crack of the bats to begin!

Victorino and Bourn are very close in all areas of their game, very similar players in terms of career avg and on base percentage too…. While Bourn has the advantage in speed/stolen bases, Victoino has the advantage in power . Bourn is two years you get and I do t think he’ll be much cheaper (if any) than Victorino

Great re-sign. Looks like the Phils are making moves for the future. I like that we have Pence for another year. He is young, and I think he’s in the middle of his prime. I am anxiously waiting on what the 2012 season will bring us! I love Victorino. Bourne cannot be the replacement we want. He hits from both sides of the plate and he’s got speed in the OF and the Bases also brings a little extra pop when needed and he’s got a good arm in CF. I say re-sign Shano .. he makes bone head mistakes on the bases, but I’d much rather have him out there than anyone else. Make me a better offer than Michael Bourne then ill listen.